News

Changes to Section 333 Grant Exemption UAS Operations – Flight Over

FilmL.A. was recently made aware of a change to the rules and regulations governing UAS operators using the Section 333 Grant Exemption.

In November of 2016, the FAA changed its rules related to UAS operations over “participants” (cast/crew, etc.).

The regulations are revised as follows: “For the purpose of closed-set motion picture and television filming, now defined as aerial data collection, the people being filmed i.e. actors/talent or those associated with the filming production would [no longer] be considered a direct participant in the safe operation of the UA. Therefore, flight over these people is now prohibited regardless of consent”

This rule change does not currently affect the following exemption holders:

Astraeus Aerial

Aerial MOB, LLC

Pictorvision, Inc.

HeliVideo Productions, LLC

RC Pro Productions Consulting, LLC dba Vortex

Aerial Snaproll Media, LLC

Flying-Cam, Inc.

FilmL.A. is issuing this production alert as a courtesy to notify operators of this change in FAA policy. Questions regarding this matter should be directed to the FAA’s Flights Standards District Office in your area. For LAX the phone number is 310-725-6600 and for Van Nuys, 818-904-6291.

For answers to general production related questions, please contact FilmL.A.’s Production Planning team at 213-977-8600.